When an appliance goes on the fritz, it's hard to know what to do next. Here, advice from the pros.

Complaint: The suction isn't as strong as it used to be.
The easiest solution here is to replace the bag or empty the dirt receptacle more frequently  it should only be filled two-thirds or no more than three-quarters full, max, says Forte. You may also need to clean or replace the filters, if your machine has any (check the manual). There could also be a clog in the hose that needs to be cleared out; a broom handle, pushed carefully through, can make quick work of this.

Complaint: The brush isn't spinning. Youll have to figure out whats causing it. Take a look and see if hair or threads are tangled around the rotating brush in your vacuum's head (a.k.a. the "beater bar"); you can easily remove them with a seam ripper. If your model has a belt, it may have broken, which is a simple repair as well. Overall, Liston says you should make sure youre using it properly to prevent problems. Most vacs raise or lower depending on the pile of the carpet, and many have a switch that turns off the beater bar if youre cleaning wood or ceramic floors.

CALL-A-PRO REPAIRS: If it's a canister with a stalled beater bar, it could also be a problem with the motorized power head, which will likely need the help of a expert. A burned-out motor or switches generally also require a pros expertise. Youll have to bring your machine to the service center, though; vacuum-repair professionals seldom make house calls.

TIME TO REPLACE: Common signs that your vac has gone caput, according to Forte: When it's no longer cleaning well, when repairs aren't worth the cost, when its spewing dust back into the air (rather than retaining it), and when the plastic body is cracked or pieces of it are breaking. The typical life expectancy of a vacuum cleaner is five to 10 years.

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